The New Food Fights: U.S. Public Divides Over Food Science

Transcription

1 NUMBERS, FACTS AND TRENDS SHAPING THE WORLD FOR RELEASE DECEMBER 1, The New Food Fights: U.S. Public Divides Over Food Science Differing views on benefits and risks of organic foods, GMOs as Americans report higher priority for healthy eating BY Cary Funk and Brian Kennedy FOR MEDIA OR OTHER INQUIRIES: Cary Funk, Associate Director, Research Lee Rainie, Director, Internet, Science and Technology Research Dana Page, Senior Communications Manager RECOMMENDED CITATION: Pew Research Center, December,,

2 1 About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It does not take policy positions. The Center conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research. It studies U.S. politics and policy; journalism and media; internet, science and technology; religion and public life; Hispanic trends; global attitudes and trends; and U.S. social and demographic trends. All of the Center s reports are available at. Pew Research Center is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts, its primary funder. Pew Research Center

3 2 Table of Contents About Pew Research Center 1 Table of Contents 2 The New Food Fights: U.S. Public Divides Over Food Science 3 1. Public views about Americans eating habits Americans views about and consumption of organic foods Public opinion about genetically modified foods and trust in scientists connected with these foods 43 Americans hold mixed views of scientists and the research connected with GM foods 58 Assessments of media coverage on GM foods vary with degree of concern about the issue 68 About this report 72 Acknowledgments 73 Methodology 75 Survey questionnaire and topline 78

4 3 The New Food Fights: U.S. Public Divides Over Food Science Differing views on benefits and risks of organic foods, GMOs as Americans report higher priority for healthy eating Food has become a flashpoint in American culture and politics. In the past generation, Americans have witnessed the introduction of genetically modified crops, the rise of the organic food industry, increasing concerns about obesity, growing awareness to food allergies and other health concerns linked with what people eat, an expanding volume of best-selling books and publications about food and the proliferation of premier chefs as superstars in popular culture. There has been a pronounced shift in Americans eating habits over the past 20 years with farreaching implications for how food is created, prepared and consumed. Moreover, the way Americans eat has become a source of potential social, economic and political friction as people follow personal preferences reflecting their beliefs about how foods connect with their health and ailments, according to a new survey by Pew Research Center. In a way, these choices reflect personalized ideologies that shape how people think about and consume food. They are not all-encompassing world views, but they inform key behaviors and attitudes around life s staples. The new food divides are encapsulated by how people assess the health effects of two kinds of food: organic and genetically modified (GM) foods. Most Americans see health benefits in organics, a sizable minority sees health risks in GM foods % of U.S. adults who say the following The new survey finds that 55% of Americans believe organically grown produce is healthier than conventionally grown varieties, while 41% say there is no difference between organic and conventionally grown produce and 3% say that conventionally grown produce is better. Four-in-ten Note: Beliefs about effects of genetically modified (GM) foods includes those who lean toward each response. Source: Survey conducted,.

5 4 Americans (40%) say that most (6%) or some (34%) of the foods they eat are organic. Fully threequarters of these Americans (75%) are convinced that organic foods are healthier than conventionally grown foods. At the same time, there is a sizable minority 39% of Americans who consider genetically modified foods worse for a person s health than other foods. This compares with 48% of adults who say GM foods are no different from non-gm foods and 10% who say GM foods are better for health. People s divisions are linked to their interests in food issues but not tied to politics and partisanship The divides over food do not fall along familiar political fault lines. Nor do they strongly tie to other common divisions such as education, income, geography or having minor children. Rather, they tie to individual concerns and philosophies about the relationship between food and wellbeing. One indicator of such philosophies is the degree of concern people have about the issue of GM foods. The minority of U.S. adults who care deeply about the issue of GM foods (16%) are much more likely than those with less concern about this issue to consider GM foods worse for health (75% vs. 17% of those with no or not too much concern about GM foods); they are also much more likely to consider organic produce healthier: 81% compared with 35% of those with no or not too much concern about GM foods. 16 % of U.S. adults say they care "a great deal about the issue of genetically modified foods The second indicator is how focused people are on eating healthy foods. The 18% of Americans who are particularly focused on healthy and nutritious eating are especially likely to consider organic produce healthier than conventionally grown produce. They follow news about GM foods more closely, though their views about the health effects of GM foods are similar to those with less focus on eating healthy and nutritious foods. 18 % of U.S. adults say the statement My main focus is on eating healthy and nutritious describes them very well Note: Respondents who gave other responses or who did not give an answer are not shown. Source: Survey conducted,. The people in both of these groups eat and shop differently than other Americans; they pay attention to food-related matters in varying ways; they have different views about food-health issues; and noteworthy shares have food allergies or other health problems with certain foods.

6 5 Their views of scientists and science research findings are often in sync with others, but people with a deep concern about the issue of GM foods are particularly skeptical of information from food industry leaders about the health effects of GM foods and see more industry influence on science research findings than do other Americans. Mirroring perspectives on the health effects of organic food and GM foods % of U.S. adults who say U.S. adults Organic fruits and vegetables are better for health 55 Genetically modified foods are worse for health 39 Among those who care about the issue of GM foods... A great deal Some Not too much/ Not at all Among those who say the statement "My main focus is on eating healthy and nutritious" describes them... Very well Fairly well Not too well/ Not at all well Note: Beliefs about effects of GM foods includes those who lean toward each response. Respondents who gave other responses or who did not give an answer are not shown. Source: Survey conducted,. There are also divides by age on views of food issues with younger generations more inclined than older ones to see health benefits in organic produce and health risks in GM foods. But, perhaps surprisingly, women and men tend to hold broadly similar views about organic foods and differences between genders in beliefs about the effects of GM foods are modest. However, women tend to care more deeply about the issue of GM foods than do men, a concern that is quite consequential for people s views and behaviors about food. Income differences come into play in purchasing behaviors, but there are no differences between people with high and low family incomes in terms of beliefs about the healthfulness of organic or GM foods.

7 6 These are some of the key findings from a new Pew Research Center survey conducted from May 10 to June 6,, with a nationally representative survey of 1,480 adults. This is the second in a series of reports that details public views on science and scientists in areas that connect with Americans daily lives. Personal food philosophies underlie people s thinking and choices about food There are pronounced differences in people s views about organic and GM foods that tie to their underlying outlook about food. One is the degree of concern people have about the issue of GM foods and another is the degree people are focused on eating healthy and nutritious foods. People who care deeply about the issue of GM foods stand out in their concerns about the healthfulness of these foods and the impact GM crops have on public health and the environment, as well as in their general food buying and eating practices. Similarly, people who are focused on eating healthy and nutritious foods stand apart from other Americans in how strongly they think eating is tied to a long and healthy life and in eating what they should Two largely distinct groups of Americans are focused most days; in their beliefs on food issues about the nutritional value of % of U.S. adults who organic food; and in their A great Not too much/ attention to nutrition and deal Some Not at all Care about the issue ingredient labels. of genetically modified foods... 6% say both Interestingly, those who are Say "my main focus is concerned about the issue of on eating healthy and nutritious" describes GM foods and those who are Very Fairly well Not too well/ them... well Not at all well nutrition focused are largely Note: Respondents who gave other responses or who did not give an answer are not shown. different groups of Americans: Source: Survey conducted,. Just 6% of adults both care a great deal about GM food issues and say their own eating style is focused on being healthy and nutritious. But their eating habits, their views about organic foods, their views about GM foods and the importance of foods in health are often at odds with those of other Americans. People s differences in opinions that are tied to their food ideologies are not as wide or consistent by comparison with the highly politically polarized views on climate change and some other science-related issues. And opinion differences on food issues are conspicuously not political. For example, roughly equal shares of Republicans (39%) and Democrats (40%) feel that GM foods are

8 7 worse for people s health. And, half of Republicans (50%) and 60% of Democrats have positive views about the health benefits of organic foods. 1 The survey shows that people s concerns about the GM foods issue are strongly related to their beliefs about GM foods and the likely effects of these foods on society. Fully three-quarters (75%) of those who are deeply concerned about this issue say that GM foods are worse for one s health than other foods and many more in this group believe that these foods will bring environmental and health problems for society. But this level of concern about GM foods also ties to ways people assess the world of food, their purchases at the grocery store and what they eat at home. Some of the major distinctions that highlight the differences among them: Fully 81% of those who care a great deal about the issue of GM foods think organic produce is Views and behaviors about a wide range of food topics in U.S. are linked with concern about GM foods issue % of U.S. adults who Follow news about genetically modified food closely Say GM foods are worse for health than foods with no GM ingredients Say GM foods will very likely... Create problems for the environment Lead to health problems for the population as a whole Say organic produce is generally better for health than conventionally grown produce Say most or some of the food they eat is organic In the past 30 days... Decided to buy food based on nutrition, ingredient label Bought organic food Bought food labeled GMO-free Not too much/ Not at all 2 4 Among those who care about the issue of genetically modified foods Some A great deal U.S. adults Note: Beliefs about effects of GM foods includes those who lean toward that response. Responses for following news about GM foods very or somewhat closely are combined. Respondents who gave other responses or did not give an answer are not shown. Source: Survey conducted, Republicans and Democrats include independents and others who lean toward the parties.

9 8 healthier than other conventionally grown foods, compared with 35% of those who are not particularly concerned about the issue of GM foods. Those deeply concerned about the GM foods issue eat more organic foods; 76% say most or some of what they eat is organic. By contrast, fully 75% of those with little concern about the issue of GM foods say they do not eat organic foods or not too much of what they eat is organic. People deeply concerned about the issue of GM foods also take that focus to the grocery aisles. The vast majority of this group (89%) has purchased foods based on the nutrition and ingredient labels and 82% have done so several times in the past month; 89% have bought organic foods and 74% have bought foods labeled GMO-free. Fewer of those with less concern on the issue of GM foods have done the same (57% of those with not too much or no concern about the issue of GM foods have decided what to buy based on nutrition and ingredient labels, 57% have bought organic foods in the past month and just 26% have bought foods labeled GMO-free.) People with deep concern about the issue of GM foods are especially convinced that healthy eating habits lead the way to a long and healthy life; 87% of those who care a great deal about the GM foods issue say healthy eating is very important for a person s chances of a long and healthy life, compared with 68% among those who do not care about the GM foods issue at all or not too much. More people with deep concern about the issue of GM foods are more likely to follow vegan or vegetarian diets, at least mostly 21% do, compared with 6% of those who do not care too much or at all about the issue of GM foods. Women are more likely than men to care deeply about the issue of GM foods (20% vs. 12%). But people with deep personal concern about the issue of GM foods are diverse in their races, ethnicities, ages, education and family incomes. There are some modest differences by age, education and income with more of those ages 65 and older, those with lower family incomes (under $30,000 annually) and those with less education (high school degrees or less) saying they do not care at all or not too much about the issue of GM foods. Some 16% of Republicans and the same share of Democrats (16%) say they care a great deal about this issue. People s views about scientists connected with GM foods: Americans with deep concern about the issue of GM foods hold mixed views about scientists connected with GM foods. Those deeply concerned about this issue say that scientists understand the health effects of GM foods very well (32%). And, 35% of this group says they trust scientists a lot to provide full and accurate information about the health effects of eating GM foods. But in these areas their views look similar to Americans with less concern about the issue of GM foods.

10 9 At the same time, this group is more skeptical of food industry leaders and the potential influences from industry interests on scientific research findings. Just 21% of those deeply concerned about the issue of GM foods trust food industry leaders at least some to provide full and accurate information about the effects of GM foods and 79% do not trust information from food industry leaders too much (39%) or at all (40%). By contrast, 48% of those who do not care about the issue of GM foods at all or not too much say they trust information from food industry leaders at least some. Trust in information from food industry leaders is lower for those deeply concerned about issue of GM foods % of U.S. adults who say they trust each of these groups to give full and accurate information on the health effects of genetically modified foods Among those who care about the issue of GM foods Among those who care about the issue of GM foods Scientists A great deal Some Not too much/ Not at all A great deal 10 Some 12 9 A lot Food industry leaders Not too much/ Not at all Some Note: Respondents giving no answer are not shown. Source: Survey conducted,. Not too much/not at all And, half of those who care deeply about the issue of GM foods (50%) say that scientific findings about GM foods are influenced by the researchers desires to help their industries most of the time. In contrast, 22% of those with little personal concern about the issue of GM foods say the same.

11 10 People s ideologies when it comes to food are multifaceted. A second indicator of people s outlooks about food is their degree of focus on healthy and nutritious eating, which also has far-ranging implications for how they see the world of food, their food purchases and their eating practices. Some of the major distinctions that highlight the differences among them: Some 86% of those who are focused on eating healthy and nutritious food say this practice is very important for a person s chances of leading a long and healthy life, compared with 56% of those who are not particularly focused on healthy eating. People focused on eating healthy are more inclined than other Americans to say the types of foods Americans eat are a bigger problem today than how much people eat (34% compared with 21% of those with little focus on healthy eating.) Americans views and choices about food are strongly linked with their focus on healthy and nutritious eating % of U.S. adults Healthy eating is very important for a long and healthy life Organic produce is generally better for health than conventionally grown produce Most or some of the food they eat is organic In the past 30 days... Decided to buy food based on nutrition, ingredient label Bought organic food Bought food labeled GMO-free Follow news about genetically modified food closely Genetically modified foods are worse for health than foods with no GM ingredients GM foods will very likely... Lead to health problems for the population as a whole Create problems for the environment Among those who say "my main focus is on eating healthy and nutritious" describes them Not too well/not at all well Fairly well Very well U.S. adults Note: Beliefs about effects of GM foods includes those who lean toward that response. Responses for following news about GM foods very or somewhat closely are combined. Respondents who gave other responses or did not give an answer are not shown. Source: Survey conducted,

12 11 A majority of those focused on eating healthy foods (62%) believe that organic produce is healthier than conventionally grown produce, compared with 46% for whom healthy eating is not a priority. And a similar share (63%) says most or some of what they eat is organic. In contrast, just 22% of those with little focus on eating healthy say at least some of what they eat is organic. People who are focused on eating healthy and nutritious food generally think they reach their goals; seven-in-ten (70%) of this group say they eat about what they should most days, compared to just 13% of those who place little or no priority on healthy eating. Americans focused on healthy and nutritious eating are more likely to follow vegan or vegetarian diets 22% say they are at least mostly vegan/vegetarian, compared with 3% of those with little or no priority on healthy eating. Those focused on healthy and nutritious eating are also more likely to report they have allergic reactions to food: 26% have at least a mild food allergy, compared with 15% among those with little or no focus on healthy eating. While men and women are about equally likely to say they are focused on healthy and nutritious eating (16% vs. 20%), more men (31%) than women (22%) say that a focus on healthy eating does not describe them too well or at all. Younger adults, ages 18 to 29, are a bit less likely than older age groups to be at least somewhat focused on healthy and nutritious eating. But there are no differences among education, family income or party affiliation groups in terms of the share focused on healthy eating. Americans focus on healthy eating and their views about scientists and research on GM foods: People focused on eating healthy and nutritious foods follow news about GM foods more closely than other Americans: 51% follow at least somewhat closely, compared with 21% of those with little or no priority on healthy eating. But, perhaps surprisingly, their views about GM foods are similar to or only modestly different from those with less focus on healthy and nutritious eating. People s views about scientists and research findings related to GM foods are also only moderately different depending on one s orientation toward healthy and nutritious eating. To the extent these groups differ in their views, those with a focus on eating healthy and nutritious foods tend be a bit more convinced that scientists understand the health effects of GM foods very well, to trust scientists a lot to provide full and accurate information about GM foods and to see science research findings as rooted in the best available evidence most of the time. The impact of food restrictions and dietary accommodations on social gatherings: While there are wide differences in views and eating behaviors depending on people s concerns and orientations toward these food issues, it s not clear how much friction over these issues occurs among friends and family. A minority (31%) of Americans say it bothers them at least some when guests ask for special food options at social gatherings they are hosting. Americans feelings about

13 12 guests requests for dietary accommodations are about the same regardless of people s focus on eating healthy or their concern about GM foods. A sizable minority of U.S. adults (37%) say that hosts should always ask guests ahead of time about food restrictions, however. This view is more common among those with deep concern about the issue of GM foods (49% say hosts should always do this compared with 32% among those with little concern about the GM foods issue.) The public believes two controllable factors are critical for a long and healthy life: healthy eating and exercise Fully 54% of Americans say that compared with 20 years ago, people in the U.S. pay more attention to eating healthy foods today. Smaller shares say people pay less attention (26%) or about the same amount of attention (19%) to eating healthy today. Most Americans consider their future health within their grasp if only they eat and exercise adequately. Roughly seven-in-ten adults say that healthy eating habits (72%) and getting enough physical exercise (71%) are very important for improving a person s chances of living a long and healthy life. Majority of Americans say healthy eating, physical exercise are key to a long and healthy life % of U.S. adults who say each of the following is when it comes to improving a person s chances of a long and healthy life Very important Somewhat important Not too important/not at all important Healthy eating habits Getting enough physical exercise Safe and healthy housing conditions Yet people s behavior does not Genetics and hereditary factors appear to match that ideal. A % majority of Americans Note: Respondents who did not give an answer are not shown. says most days they should Source: Survey conducted,. probably eat healthier, while some 41% say they eat about what they should most days. But among the minority of Americans who are focused on eating healthy and nutritious foods, fully 70% say they eat about what they should most days, compared with just 13% of those with little focus on healthy and nutritious eating.

14 13 Food allergies and other health issues related to food tie with people s food philosophies A notable share of those who focus on food issues are people who have struggled with food. About one-in-seven (15%) U.S. adults say they have mild, moderate or severe allergies to one or more foods. Another 17% of adults have intolerances to one or more foods. Food allergies factor into people s eating philosophies; some 26% of those focused on eating healthy and nutritious food have at least mild food allergies. About one-in-ten Americans follow vegan or vegetarian diets at least mostly Some 3% of Americans say they follow a strict vegan or vegetarian diet and another 6% say they are mostly vegan or vegetarian. The share of people eating at least mostly vegan/vegetarian diets is considerably higher among those focused on eating healthy and nutritious foods (22% compared with 3% among those not at all or not too focused on this). Similarly, 21% of those who care a great deal about the issue of GM foods follow diets that are at least mostly vegan or vegetarian, compared with 6% of those who do not care about this issue at all or not too much. Food news whiplash does not have great impact on most Americans overall views Observers have worried that the back and forth of conflicting reports about the health effects of food and drink in the media confuses the public, or worse, fosters distrust in health and nutrition science. 2 The new Pew Research Center survey finds that a majority of Americans sense the proliferation of conflicting news but are, on the whole, unfazed. But people with less knowledge about science are closely divided over such studies. Fully two-thirds (66%) of the public says they hear or read news stories about the health effects of what people eat and drink every day (23%) or a few times a week (43%). And many Americans perceive such studies as contradicting prior news reports at least some of the time. Most Americans say they hear or read news stories about the health effects of foods which conflict with Most Americans say conflicting news stories about the health effects of food reflects improved understanding % of U.S. adults who say Research about the health effects of food cannot be trusted because many studies conflict New research is constantly improving our understanding about the health effects of food so it makes sense findings conflict Note: Respondents who did not give an answer are not shown. Source: Survey conducted,. 2 See Gina Kolata. We re So Confused: The Problems with Food and Exercise Studies, New York Times, Aug. 11, ; Timothy Caulfield, 2012, The Cure for Everything: Untangling Twisted Messages About Health, Fitness and Happiness. Boston, MA: Beacon Press.

15 14 earlier studies some of the time (51%) or all the time (21%). A majority of the American public (61%) says new research is constantly improving our understanding about the health effects of what people eat and drink, so it makes sense that these findings conflict with prior studies. By comparison, 37% say research about the health effects of what people eat and drink cannot really be trusted because so many studies conflict with each other. Most people with high (74%) or medium (65%) levels of science knowledge, based on a nine-item index, say the conflicting stories are understandable. But people with low science knowledge are closely divided between these two positions: 46% say this is understandable given constant improvements in research understanding and 50% say it suggests that such research cannot really be trusted. 3 Fully 72% of U.S. adults say even though new studies sometimes conflict with prior findings the core ideas about how to eat healthy are pretty well understood. Majorities of those with more and less focus on eating healthy share this viewpoint as do majorities of those with more and less concern about the issue of GM foods. Despite conflicting reports, a majority of Americans say they understand the core ideas of eating healthy % of U.S. adults who say It is difficult to know how to eat healthy due to conflicting information Even though studies conflict, the core ideas of healthy eating are pretty well understood Note: Respondents who did not give an answer are not shown. Source: Survey conducted,. But, here too, people with low science knowledge are closely divided. Half of those with low science knowledge say the core ideas of healthy eating are pretty well understood (50%) and a nearly equal share (47%) say it is difficult to know how to eat healthy due to conflicting information. By contrast, just 8% of those with high science knowledge say it is difficult to know how to eat healthy and 92% say the core ideas of healthy eating are pretty well understood. 3 For more on the science knowledge index see the topline and the Methodology section of the related report, The Politics of Climate.

16 15 There is considerable skepticism about scientific understanding, consensus and influences on research about genetically modified foods While a 2014 Pew Research Center survey found most Americans (62%) see benefits of scientific advances on the quality of food, in general people s views of scientists connected with genetically modified foods in this new survey are largely skeptical, or at best, tepid. Americans have limited trust in scientists connected with genetically modified foods % of U.S. adults Scientists understand the health effects of GM foods Perceived share of scientists who agree GM foods are safe to eat Very well Almost all More than half 28 Fairly well 44 Not too well/ Not at all well 35 About half or fewer 53 Just two-in-ten (19%) Americans say scientists understand the health effects of GM foods very well. Some 44% of Americans say scientists understand this fairly well and 35% say scientists do not understand the health effects of genetic modification at all or not too well. A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine highlighted Trust scientists to provide full and accurate information on health effects of GM foods A lot 35 Some Research findings influenced by each of the following Most of the time Some of the time Best available scientific evidence Concern for the public interest Researchers' desire to help their industries Scientists' desire to advance their careers Scientists' own political leanings Note: Respondents who did not give an answer are not shown. Source: Survey conducted,. 43 Not too much/ Not at all Not too often/ Never consensus among scientific experts that GM foods were safe. Most Americans perceive considerable disagreement in the scientific community, however. Only a minority of Americans says that almost all (14%) or more than half (28%) of scientists agree that GM foods are safe to eat Public trust in information about the health risks and benefits of GM foods from scientists is higher than it is for several other groups: food industry leaders, the news media and elected officials. But only a minority of the public (35%) says they trust scientists a lot to give full and

17 16 accurate information about the health effects of GM foods, while 43% trust scientists some. Trust in information from small farm owners is similar, with 29% saying they trust small farm owners a lot and 49% saying they trust small farm owners some to give full and accurate information on the health effects of GM foods. When asked specifically about the factors that might shape scientists research on food, people give mixed answers. Three-in-ten (30%) Americans say the best available evidence influences scientists research on the effects of GM foods most of the time. About half of the public (51%) says this occurs some of the time, while 17% say this does not occur or not too often occurs. At the same time, three-in-ten Americans (30%) say that scientists desire to help connected industries influences the research findings most of the time, half (50%) of Americans say this occurs some of the time. Views among people with a deep concern about the issue of GM foods are largely similar to those of other Americans in their perceptions of scientists understanding about genetic modification. However, this group of issue-concerned Americans stands out for its stronger skepticism that research findings about GM foods are influenced by researchers desires to help the industries they work with or work for and by their lower trust in information from food industry leaders to give full and accurate information about the effects of GM foods. Most Americans think scientists should help make food policy Despite mixed assessments of scientists working on genetic modification, six-in-ten U.S. adults (60%) say scientists should have a major role in policy issues related to GM foods and 28% say they should have a minor role. Similar shares of Americans say that small farm owners and the general public should have a major role in GM food policy. A smaller share of Americans says that food industry leaders (42%) or elected officials (24%) should have a major role in policy decisions about GM foods.

18 17 People who are deeply concerned about the issue of GM foods give higher priority to the general public in policy decisions about GM foods. Fully 78% among this group say the general public should have a major role in such policy decisions. A smaller majority says scientists should have a major role in GM food policy (66%). People who are not concerned or not too concerned about the issue of GM foods give a comparatively higher priority to scientists in influencing policy decisions. Most Americans say scientists, small farm owners and general public should play major role in GM food policy % of U.S. adults who say each of these groups should have in making decisions about policy issues related to genetically modified foods Scientists Small farm owners The general public Food industry leaders Elected officials A major role A minor role No role Note: Respondents who did not give an answer are not shown. Source: Survey conducted, Americans with high science knowledge are more inclined to think well of scientists In contrast to public views of climate scientists, people s views about scientists connected with GM foods are similar across party affiliation and ideology groups. A more important differentiator is knowledge: Americans who have higher levels of science understanding tend to see scientists and their research in a more positive light. Americans with high science knowledge on a nine-item index are more trusting of scientists to give full and accurate information about the health effects of GM foods: 51% of those high in science knowledge trust information from scientists a lot, compared with 38% among those with medium and 18% among those with low science knowledge. Those high in science knowledge are also more inclined than those with low or medium science knowledge to say the best evidence influences research findings about GM foods most of the time. Half (50%) of those with high science knowledge say this occurs most of the time, compared with 30% among those with medium science knowledge and 14% among those with low science knowledge.

19 18 More people higher in science knowledge perceive consensus among scientists that GM foods are safe to eat. Still, only two-in-ten (20%) of this group rate scientists as understanding very well the health risks and benefits of GM foods. These differences associated with science knowledge are in keeping with findings in the Science and Engineering Indicators and other research showing a modest positive relationship between science knowledge and general views about science and scientists. Science knowledge is not strongly connected with people s degree of concern about the issue of GM foods or their focus on eating healthy and nutritious foods.

20 19 1. Public views about Americans eating habits The American food scene has undergone considerable change over the past two decades. During this period, the public has seen the introduction of genetically modified crops, the mainstreaming of organic foods into America s supermarkets 4, and the proliferation of chefs elevated to celebrity status within popular culture. Over the same period, there has been a marked increase in public health concerns about the growing prevalence of obesity among both children and adults. Perhaps sparked by thinking from people such as Michael Pollan 5, Mark Bittman 6, and documentaries such as Morgan Spurlock s Super Size Me, Americans thinking about food has shifted dramatically. Concerns about obesity, food allergies and other health effects of food are fueling a new level of scrutiny of chemicals and additives in foods and contribute to shifting notions about portion size, sugar and fat content. 7 Consumption of sugary sodas has dropped to a 30-year low while sales of bottled and flavored water rose dramatically over the past few decades. Zero-calorie diet sodas long held allure for Americans concerned about their weight, but sales of diet sodas have also dropped, with at least some arguing that the decline has been fueled by growing public concern about ingesting artificial sweeteners and other food additives. 8 America s love affair with fast-food chains is on the wane, with fast casual brands that offer convenient options which focus on natural, fresh ingredients gaining favor. 9 To some degree this is reflected in the emergence of distinct groups that can be identified by their focus on food issues and personal eating habits. New thinking about ways to eat healthy helped launch a number of eating movements with proponents arguing that Paleo, anti-inflammatory or vegan diets bring health benefits along with better weight control. Food and the way we eat has become a potential source of social friction as people follow their own ideologies about what to eat and how foods connect with people s ailments. During this same period, there have been sometimes strident public debates over science-related topics most prominently on climate change, but also on a host of others including the 4 Catherine Greene, Seth J. Wechsler, Aaron Adalja and James Hanson, Feb.. Economic Issues in the Coexistence of Organic, Genetically Engineered (GE) and non-ge Crops Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 5 Michael Pollan The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals New York: Penguin Press. 6 See for example, the opening column for The Flexitarian, Mark Bittman, Healthy, Meet Delicious, New York Times, April 23, See for example, Hans Taparia and Pamela Koch, A Seismic Shift in How People Eat, New York Times, Nov. 6, Scott Mowbray, The Rise of the New Food Culture, The Huffington Post, Dec 10, Jeff Green and Craig Giammona. How Halal Food Became a $20 Billion Hit in America, Bloomberg, Sept. 14,. 8 See Sanger-Katz, Margot. The Decline of Big Soda, New York Times, Oct. 2, See Specter, Michael. Freedom from Fries: Can fast food be good for you? The New Yorker, Nov. 2, 2015.

21 20 environmental impacts of fracking and nuclear power, the safety of childhood vaccines and, of course, the safety of genetically modified foods. A previous Pew Research Center report showed that public attitudes on a wide range of science issues were widely divergent from those of members of the American Association of Advancement of Science (AAAS). In fact, the largest differences between the public and members of the AAAS were beliefs about the safety of eating genetically modified (GM) foods. Nearly nine-in-ten (88%) AAAS members said it is generally safe to eat GM foods compared with 37% of the general public, a difference of 51 percentage points. The wide differences of opinion over GM foods is connected with a broader public discourse over the role of science research and, perhaps, scientific expertise in understanding and crafting policy solutions. This new Pew Research Center survey explores public thinking about scientists and their research on GM foods in some detail. As such, this survey can help address the ways in which public views of and trust in scientists may contribute to an opinion divide between the public and members of the scientific community on these issues. In broad strokes, the survey shows that Americans believe the public is paying more attention to healthy eating today than they did 20 years ago. But, it is not clear to the public whether people are actually eating healthier today. About half of U.S. adults think the eating habits of Americans are less healthy today than they were 20 years ago and most point the blame at both the quantity and quality of what people eat. Many Americans adopt their own food and eating philosophies because they have to or want to. Some 15% of U.S. adults say they have at least mild allergies to one or more foods and another 17% have intolerances to foods. Food allergies are more common among women, blacks and people with chronic lung conditions such as asthma. A small minority of Americans describe themselves as either strictly or mostly eating vegan or vegetarian diets.

22 21 Americans are paying attention to healthy eating, but many miss the mark Collectively, the American public is paying more attention to healthy eating, but not fully embracing what they learn. At least, that s how most Americans see things, according to this survey. Some 54% of Americans say that compared with 20 years ago, people in the U.S. pay more attention to eating healthy foods today. Smaller shares say people pay less attention (26%) or about the same amount of attention (19%) to eating healthy today. But 54% of Americans say eating habits in the U.S. are less healthy than they were 20 years ago. A minority (29%) say eating habits are healthier today, while 17% say they are about the same. The public points the finger at both quality and quantity in Americans eating habits. When asked which is the bigger source of problems in Americans eating habits, more say the issue is what people eat, not how much (24% vs. 12%). But a 63% majority says that both are equally big problems in the U.S. today. Perceptions of the American appetite: More pay attention to healthy eating but fewer reach that goal % of U.S. adults who say that compared with twenty years ago People in the U.S. pay to eating healthy foods today More attention About the same amount of attention Less attention The eating habits of people in the U.S. are today More healthy About the same Less healthy Note: Respondents who did not give an answer are not shown. Source: Survey conducted,. A majority of the public says both quality and quantity of Americans food consumption is a problem % of U.S. adults who say is the bigger problem in the U.S. today The types of food people eat are not healthy enough The total amount of food people eat is too much Both are equally big problems Note: Respondents who did not give an answer are not shown. Source: Survey conducted,.

23 22 These beliefs are somewhat tied to people s focus on food issues. People who care a great deal about the issue of GM foods are particularly likely to say Americans eating habits have deteriorated over the past two decades: 67% hold this view, compared with 53% among those not at all or not too concerned about the GM foods issue. People focused on eating healthy and nutritious are relatively more inclined to say the types of food people eat is a bigger problem in the U.S. today than the overall amount (34%, compared with 21% among those not at all or not too focused on healthy and nutritious eating.) What s driving public attention to eating? One factor may be a belief in the oft-repeated adage you are what you eat. Roughly seven-in-ten adults (72%) say that healthy eating habits are very important for improving a person s chances of living a long and healthy life. Majority of Americans say healthy eating, physical exercise are key to a long and healthy life A similar share (71%) says getting enough exercise is very important. Some 61% say safe and healthy housing conditions are very important. But fewer 47% believe genetics and hereditary factors are critical to improving a person s chances of a long and healthy life. Thus, most Americans consider their future health within their own grasps if only they eat and exercise adequately. % of U.S. adults who say each of the following is when it comes to improving a person s chances of a long and healthy life Very important Somewhat important Not too important/not at all important Healthy eating habits Getting enough physical exercise Safe and healthy housing conditions Genetics and hereditary factors Note: Respondents who did not give an answer are not shown. Source: Survey conducted, People focused on food issues are particularly likely to believe that healthy eating habits are important. Fully 86% of those focused on eating healthy and nutritious say that healthy eating habits are very important, compared with 56% among those with little focus on eating healthy and nutritious. And, 87% of those with a deep personal concern about the issue of GM foods say that healthy eating habits are very important for a long and healthy life, compared with 68% among those with no or not too much concern about the GM foods issue.

24 23 Americans have a variety of eating styles and philosophies about food Americans have many different approaches to eating. More say they focus on taste and nutrition than say they focus on convenience. Almost onequarter (23%) of Americans say the statement I focus on the taste sensations of every meal describes them very well, while another 53% say this statement describes them fairly well. Similar shares say their main focus is on eating healthy and nutritious, with 18% saying this statement describes them very well and 55% saying it describes them fairly well. How Americans classify their own eating habits % of U.S. adults who say each of these statements describes them I focus on the taste sensations of every meal My main focus is on eating healthy and nutritious I usually eat whatever is easy and most convenient I eat when necessary but don't care very much about what I eat Very well Fairly well Not too well Not at all well Note: Respondents who did not give an answer are not shown. Source: Survey conducted, Smaller shares say the statements I usually eat whatever is easy and most convenient and I eat when necessary but don t care very much about what I eat, describe them very well (12% and 7%, respectively). People with a particular concern about the GM foods issue and people focused on eating healthy and nutritious are less likely to describe themselves as unconcerned about what they eat.

25 24 But, when Americans judge their own eating habits, a majority see themselves falling short. Some 58% of U.S. adults say that most days I should probably be eating healthier. About four-in-ten (41%) hit their eating targets about right, saying they eat about what they should most days. Most Americans feel they should eat healthier and they know who they are Those who are focused on eating healthy are, by and large, satisfied with their eating. Seven-in-ten (70%) of this group says they eat about what they should on most days. By contrast, 86% of people who describe themselves as not at all or not too focused on healthy eating say they should probably be eating healthier on most days. % of U.S. adults who say Most days I eat about what I should Most days I should probably be eating healthier U.S. adults Among those who say "my main focus is on eating healthy and nutritious" describes them... Very well Fairly well Not too well/ Not at all well Note: Respondents who did not give an answer are not shown. Source: Survey conducted, There are more modest differences in eating assessments by degree of concern about the issue of GM foods; 51% of those who care a great deal about the issue of GM foods says they eat about they should most days, compared with 37% of those with no particular concern or not too much concern about this issue.

26 25 Sizable minority of Americans have food allergies or intolerances to foods More children and adults are experiencing allergic reactions to foods today. Concern about food allergies and sensitivities can be seen in many places from the regulations governing the public school lunch program to the way restaurants and food manufacturers package and offer alternatives to the most common allergens. 10 For example, people with lactose intolerance can now choose from a wide range of milk and dairy alternatives made from soy and nuts. People allergic to the gluten in wheat can choose among special menu selections, even whole bakeries devoted to gluten-free options. About 15% of U.S. adults say they have severe, moderate or mild allergies to at least one kind of food. Another 17% of adults have food intolerances, but no food allergies. Roughly seven-in-ten of the adult public (69%) has no food intolerances or allergies. 15% of U.S. adults report at least one food allergy % of U.S. adults who say they have Food allergies Food intolerances but not allergies Neither Note: Respondents who have severe, moderate or mild food allergies are combined. Respondents who did not give an answer are not shown. Source: Survey conducted,. More women than men report food allergies. About two-in-ten (19%) women say they have severe, moderate or mild food allergies, compared with 11% of men. And, blacks are more likely to say they have food allergies (27%) than either whites (13%) or Hispanics (11%). In other respects, those with food allergies reflect a mix of demographic and educational backgrounds. 11 The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports a higher prevalence of asthma among children with food allergies. The Pew Research Center survey finds 29% of adults with asthma or another chronic lung condition have food allergies, compared with 12% among those who do not have chronic lung conditions. 10 A report by the CDC finds an increase in reported food allergies among children between 1997 and Differences by gender and race in self-report food allergies are consistent with a report from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.